LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES), an academic institute dedicated to generating knowledge and solving regional and global environmental problems, presented An Evening of Environmental Excellence on March 15 at the Beverly Hills home of Jeanne and Tony Pritzker. Event honored Dan A. Emmett, Chairman of Douglas Emmett, Inc. and Southern California Edison. Tony Pritzker and Tina Quinn co-chaired the event which featured a performance by singer, songwriter Vicci Martinez. Extra correspondent Jerry Penacoli emceed. The inaugural fundraiser raised more than $500,000 to support the Institute's academic offerings, scientific efforts and public programs.

"Our organization is fortunate to have such extraordinary and dedicated supporters who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the environment," said Glen MacDonald, Ph.D., IoES Director and Professor of Geography, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and UCLA Law School Dean Rachel Moran presented the Emerald Award for Visionary Leadership to Dan A. Emmett, Chairman of Douglas Emmett, Inc., a fully integrated real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties in Los Angeles. Emmett has long been concerned with environmental issues and is actively involved in supporting environmental organizations and initiatives.

Southern California Edison (SCE), one the nation's largest energy companies, was presented the Emerald Award for Corporate Leadership by UCLA IoES Director Glen McDonald. SCE President Ronald Litzinger accepted the award on behalf of the company. SCE has provided leadership for many key environmental initiatives and is at the forefront of green innovation. The company recognized early on that energy use and conservation go hand in hand and joined forces with the UCLA IoES as one of the institute's first corporate partners.

The mission of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability is to generate knowledge and solve regional and global environment problems. The IoES educates the next generation of professional and scientific leadership committed to the health of the planet and drives interdisciplinary environment and sustainability initiatives on campus. In addition, the IoES advises business and policymakers on sustainability and the environment, informing and encouraging community discussion about critical environmental issues. For information, visit www.Environment.UCLA.edu.